Lomond Rowing Club issue plea to help gain vital funding for clubhouse repairs

Members have been raising their own funds for the repairs (Image: Stirling Observer)

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Loch Lomond Rowing Club has sent out a plea to fellow rowers and community members to vote this month for vital funding which will impact its future.

With almost 120 years of success on its record, Loch Lomond Rowing Club has produced some of the UK’s most talented rowers, including Olympians Peter Haining and James McNiven.

The Lennox Herald previously reported on the club’s £20,000 fundraising mission to restore the dilapidated clubhouse, as a leaking roof has put the building’s future in jeopardy.

Despite the best DIY efforts of resourceful club members, damp and mould have spread through the building which is no longer fit for purpose.

The clubhouse is in need of refurbishment (Image: Lennox Herald)

Members have so far raised £5000 towards replacing the roof and installing solar panels, with local businesses also supporting the plans by pledging building materials.

Having submitted its plans – which are set to cost £17,000 – the crucial second stage is for the club to win an award through the Aviva Community Fund, but it is up against competition from nine other worthy projects.

The roof of the club needs a £20,000 refurbishment (Image: Lennox Herald)

Vice-captain Heather McKenzie, 19, from Gartocharn said: “All we need is for people to vote. Of the 10 different projects we need the most votes, and judges will consider the highest one for the grant.”

Failure to win this grant is farthest from members’ minds but in the worst case scenario they intend to plough on to help restore the club - which was founded in 1827 - to its former glory.

“If we don’t get funding it’s going to be down to our members to continue to fundraise,” added Heather.

The club has a thriving junior section but they can't use the clubhouse (Image: Lennox Herald)

“We will just continue our efforts to raise enough funds to continue patching the roof as opposed to replacing it. It takes just a few minutes to register and cast your votes, up to a maximum of 10 per person.”